This weekend marks the first leg of the 2026 Triple Crown, as some of the best horses around line up to compete at the 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket.
One of the most iconic races on the calendar, the latest renewal on Saturday at 15:35 promises to be an absolute cracker. And below, we have taken a look at the top contenders for glory.
NetBet will also have the best horse racing odds available for the whole weekend at Newmarket – and much, much more – so head to our sports betting site now and see what all the fuss is about!
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
2000 Guineas Stakes Key Contenders
Gstaad – 33/10
Supplemented for this, which is a testament to his ability and the frailties in some of his stable mates. Nevertheless, Gstaad was Aidan O’Brien’s best two-year-old last season and is a fantastic horse, with Grade 1 wins at Royal Ascot and Del Mar at the Breeders Cup. He endured a busy campaign for a juvenile, which indicates he takes his racing well and is straight-forward. He handled the step up to a mile well when in America and unlocked this Guineas opportunity as a result. A talented sprinter who could be even better at the mile. Although, O’Brien hasn’t won this contest since 2019.
Bow Echo – 33/10
Bow Echo has spent much of the spring months at the head of this market, and rightfully so judged on his two-year-old exploits. He was scintillating in the Group 2 Royal Lodge, and equally so in listed action at Haydock. The trip will be fine, but talented young jockey Billy Loughnane will need to work some magic from stall 15. He is likely to go forward and race prominently in his first venture in Group 1 level. A key player.
Distant Storm – 9/2
Low draws have fared well in previous renewals, with the likes of Chaldean, Coroebus and Poetic Flare all coming from low numbers. Distant Storm comes out of stall two and has pace angles around him, so he can be smuggled through the race in the hands of William Buick. Appleby and Buick have won the past two renewals, and this lad was very impressive when winning the Tattersalls Stakes at the course in September. He held his form well next time out when third in the Dewhurst, and the extra furlong this test provides shouldn’t be an issue. Plenty to like.
Into The Sky – 15/2
Caused an almighty shock at Newbury on debut when winning a maiden by seven lengths at odds of 80/1. He also showed it was no fluke when he stepped up in grade at the Mill Reef and finished second, and he is likely to spearhead the field in an attempt to make all. Probably has to improve a few pounds to be ultra-competitive and challenge the market principles, but he will be in the thick of things at the two furlong pole – and we’ll see whether he is good enough from there. A live outsider.
Oxagon – 11/1
Has the unwanted characteristic of bombing out on an occasion, but when everything clicks, Oxagon is very talented for John and Thady Gosden. He looked better than ever when winning the Group 3 Craven Stakes, and is another who will race prominently and enjoy being on the front end. He was down the field on his first attempt at Group 1 level, but he gave the impression from his recent start that he may have taken a further step forward this year. An interesting pick that could land a telling blow.
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